The most important mental trait for an MLB closer might be the ability to quickly move on to the next game. A bad outing, or a series of them, needs to be forgotten as soon as possible to deal with the next challenge.
In his first full year in that role, Cleveland Guardians closer Cade Smith seems to have figured it out quite well. After a rough start to the season, Smith has recovered to become arguably the best relief pitcher in the American League.
With that in mind, MLB.com is predicting that the Guardians reliever will be named to the All-MLB First-Team, joining Mason Miller of the San Diego Padres.
“Smith has struck out 31 and walked only five in 21 2/3 innings for the Guardians so far in 2026, and while his ERA is 2.91, his FIP is more than a run below that at 1.53,” Manny Randhawa and Theo DeRosa wrote.
After taking a 9.00 ERA into April following his first four appearances of the season, Smith has given up just three earned runs in 17 outings since then. He is second in the majors with 14 saves, one behind Miller, and the Guardians have won 20 of the 21 games he has appeared in.
He had an impressive stretch of three saves in three days, shutting down the Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins on May 6, 7, and 8. This month, he has seven saves in seven opportunities with a 1.17 ERA and 14 strikeouts with three hits and one walk allowed.
It is a long way from the expressions of concern that arose from his early-season performances. However, an adjustment period should have been expected, even though Smith was highly successful last season when he took over the role after Cleveland’s closer, two-time Reliever of the Year Emmanuel Clase, was lost to an MLB gambling investigation that will likely end his career.
The Guardians were fortunate to have a replacement already on the roster, after Smith served as Clase’s setup man for most of his first two seasons. Now, he is part of a very effective bullpen that has been a key to Cleveland’s success so far this season.
If Smith continues on this path, he is likely to earn his first AL All-Star selection as well as any postseason honors that may come his way.
NEXT: Angel Martinez Reacts To Notching Notable MLB Award
